QinetiQ Germany has successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Rheinmetall Delta B15 target drone, marking a significant development as part of the German Uncrewed Aerial Training Services (ATS). This advanced drone has been specifically chosen to fulfill Germany’s Ground-based Air Defence requirements and has undergone enhancements to counteract emerging threats, such as the Iran-designed Shahed one-way attack drones.
The Delta B15 target drone is not only intended for domestic training but will also play a pivotal role in supporting NATO and the European Sky Shield Initiative partner nations. Mark Robert Henning, CEO of Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH, expressed gratitude for the selection by QinetiQ, stating, “We are thankful to have been chosen by QinetiQ to supply the new target drones playing an active role in the European Sky Shield Initiative.” He emphasized the importance of continuously evolving to meet sophisticated airborne threats, indicating that Rheinmetall is committed to developing solutions that address these challenges.
Looking forward, the Delta B15 is scheduled to be operational in Germany starting in 2025, with future plans that include potential operations at sea alongside the German Navy.
In an earlier development this August, QinetiQ secured a contract worth 284 million euros (approximately $311 million) to deliver aerial training services to the German Armed Forces. This 10-year contract encompasses a wide array of tailored services, including joint terminal attack controller support, red air operations, close air support, maritime air operations, ground control intercept, air traffic control, and target towing for ground-based air defense systems.
All four branches of the German Armed Forces are set to benefit from these services, with the possibility of extending the contract for an additional two years. Matthias Grogor, Head of Strategic Business Development (Germany) at QinetiQ, noted that this collaboration with Rheinmetall enhances their market position in pertinent procurement programs, asserting, “This means that we are actively preparing today for the arrival of newly procured weapon systems, always with an eye on current threats and an outlook to 2035.”
These developments reflect a strategic initiative to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of Germany’s defense capabilities in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
